Print media management

ABSTRACT

Described embodiments include a system and method. A print sheet media management system includes a feeder apparatus configured to transfer a sheet from a stack of printable sheet media to a print engine. The system includes a weight sensor configured to sense a weight of the stack of printable sheet media. The system includes an evaluation circuit configured to estimate the number of sheets in the stack of printable sheet media in response to (i) a sensed weight of the stack of printable sheet media before a sheet of the stack of printable sheet media is transferred and (ii) a sensed weight of the stack of printable sheet media after the sheet of printable sheet media is transferred. The system includes a communications circuit configured to transmit data indicative of the estimated number of printable sheets in the stack of printable sheet media.

If an Application Data Sheet (ADS) has been filed on the filing date of this application, it is incorporated by reference herein. Any applications claimed on the ADS for priority under 35 U.S.C. §§119, 120, 121, or 365(c), and any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of such applications, are also incorporated by reference, including any priority claims made in those applications and any material incorporated by reference, to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of the earliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listed application(s) (the “Priority Applications”), if any, listed below (e.g., claims earliest available priority dates for other than provisional patent applications or claims benefits under 35 USC §119(e) for provisional patent applications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Priority Application(s)). In addition, the present application is related to the “Related Applications,” if any, listed below.

PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

None.

If the listings of applications provided above are inconsistent with the listings provided via an ADS, it is the intent of the Applicant to claim priority to each application that appears in the Priority Applications section of the ADS and to each application that appears in the Priority Applications section of this application.

All subject matter of the Priority Applications and the Related Applications and of any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Priority Applications and the Related Applications, including any priority claims, is incorporated herein by reference to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

SUMMARY

For example, and without limitation, an embodiment of the subject matter described herein includes a print sheet media management system. The system includes a feeder apparatus configured to transfer a sheet from a stack of printable sheet media to a print engine. The system includes a weight sensor configured to sense a weight of the stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray. The system includes an evaluation circuit configured to estimate the number of sheets in the stack of printable sheet media in response to (i) a sensed weight of the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray before a sheet of the stack of printable sheet media is transferred from the media tray to the print engine and (ii) a sensed weight of the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray after the sheet of printable sheet media is transferred from the media tray to the print engine. The system includes a communications circuit configured to transmit data indicative of the estimated number of printable sheets in the stack of printable sheet media.

In an embodiment, the print sheet media management system includes the media tray configured to carry the stack of printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the system includes the print engine. In an embodiment, the system includes a receiver circuit configured to electronically receive from a remote machine a job request for production of an image on a sheet of printable media from the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray. In an embodiment, the system includes a display device configured to provide a human perceivable representation of the data indicative of the estimated number of printable sheets in the stack of printable sheet media.

For example, and without limitation, an embodiment of the subject matter described herein includes a method. The method includes electronically receiving from a remote machine a job request for production of an image on printable sheet media. The method includes sensing a weight of a stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray before a sheet of printable sheet media is transferred from the media tray to a print engine. The method includes transferring the sheet of printable sheet media from the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray to the print engine. The method includes sensing a weight of a stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray after the sheet of printable sheet media is transferred from the media tray to the print engine. The method includes estimating the number of sheets in the stack of printable sheet media in response to (i) a sensed weight of the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray before a sheet of the stack of printable sheet media is transferred from the media tray to the print engine and (ii) a sensed weight of the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray after the sheet of printable sheet media is transferred from the media tray to the print engine. The method includes electronically transmitting to the remote machine data indicative of the estimated number of printable sheets in the stack of printable sheet media.

For example, and without limitation, an embodiment of the subject matter described herein includes a print sheet media management system. The system includes a sensor configured to sense at least two types of printable sheet media present in a stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray. The system includes a receiver circuit configured to receive a job request for production of an image by a print engine on a selected type of printable sheet media. The system includes an evaluation circuit configured to determine in response to the sensed at least two types of printable sheet media present in the stack of printable sheet media if a next sheet in the stack of printable sheet media to be transferred to the print engine is the selected type of printable sheet media. The system includes a communications circuit configured to transmit data indicating if the job request for production of an image on the selected type of printable sheet media can be fulfilled from the stack of printable sheet media.

In an embodiment, the system includes another sensor configured to sense an opening of the media tray or a removal of the media tray from an imaging device that includes the system.

In an embodiment, the system includes a feeder apparatus configured to transfer a sheet from the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray to the print engine. In an embodiment, the system includes a media tray configured to carry the stack of printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the system includes a display device configured to provide a human perceivable representation of the data indicating if the job request for production of an image on the selected type of printable sheet media can be fulfilled from the stack of printable sheet media.

For example, and without limitation, an embodiment of the subject matter described herein includes a method. The method includes sensing at least two types of printable sheet media present in a stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray. The method includes receiving a job request from a remote machine for production of an image by a print engine on a selected type of printable sheet media. The method includes determining in response to the sensed at least two types of sheet media present in the stack of printable sheet media if a next sheet in the stack of printable sheet media to be transferred to the print engine is the selected type of printable sheet media. The method includes electronically transmitting to the remote machine data indicating if the job request for production of an image on the selected type of printable sheet media can be fulfilled from the stack of printable sheet media.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an image production system 30;

FIG. 2 is a system block diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the image production system 30 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram of an image production system 100;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary block diagram of the image production system 100;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example environment 300 that includes a print sheet media management system 305;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example operational flow 400;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example environment 500 that includes a print sheet media management system 505;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example operational flow 600;

FIG. 9 illustrates an environment 700 that includes an example print sheet media management system 705; and

FIG. 10 illustrates an example operational flow 800.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application makes reference to technologies described more fully in United States patent application No. To Be Assigned, entitled INFORMATIVE PRINTERS, naming Roderick A. Hyde et al. as inventors, filed Oct. 22, 2015, is related to the present application. That application is incorporated by reference herein, including any subject matter included by reference in that application.

FIG. 1 illustrates an image production system 30. Image production system 30 includes a print sheet media management system 32 for identifying media stack characteristics (e.g., number of sheets, sheet thickness, etc.). The media stack characteristics may be used to determine imaging system settings, identification of media types, and media quality needed for a print job.

In an embodiment, the image production system 30 is a laser printer that employs an electro photographic drum imaging system, as known in the art. However, as will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art, the system is similarly applicable to other types of printers and/or imaging devices that employ printable sheet media including, for example, inkjet printers, facsimile machines, copiers, or the like.

In one embodiment, image production system 30 includes a media tray or holder (hereafter referred to in conjunction with FIGS. 1 & 2 as “media holder” 34) which holds a stack of printable sheet media 36. In an embodiment, the print sheet media management system 32 is positioned immediately adjacent to the stack of printable sheet media 36, and may be positioned within media holder 34 or outside of media holder 34. In one aspect, imaging production system 30 further includes a feed roller 37, a pair of transport rollers 38, paper guides 40 and 42, registration rollers 44, toner cartridge 50 having a photoconductive drum 52, transfer roller 54, fuser rollers 58 and output bin 60, all associated with housing 62. In operation, feed roller 37 picks a top sheet 64 from stack of printable sheet media 36 in media holder 34 and advances it to the pair of transport rollers 38. Transport rollers 38 further advance sheet 64 through paper guides 40 and 42 toward registration rollers 44. Registration rollers 44 advance paper 64 to photoconductive drum 52 (of toner cartridge 50) and transfer roller 54 where toner is applied as conventional in the art. Sheet 64 then moves through heated fuser rollers 58 and toward output bin 60.

Print sheet media management system 32 is positioned adjacent to sheet media stack 36 in media holder 34. Print sheet media management system 32 operates to sense and detect media stack characteristics, such as the number of sheets in media stack 36 and sheet thickness. These media stack characteristics are used by imaging production system 30 to determine sheet availability for print jobs, media types, and adjustment of the imaging system printing settings. An exemplary embodiment of print sheet media management system 32 is described in detail in this application.

FIG. 2 is a system block diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the image production system 30 of FIG. 1. Imaging production system 30 includes a control system 68 in communication with a print engine 70. In one aspect, the control system 68 includes a controller or microprocessor 72, print engine controller 74, read only memory (ROM) 76, random access memory (RAM) 78, display panel 80, and communications bus 84. Control system 68 for imaging system 30 communicates with a host (i.e., a host computer or network) 86 via communications port (i.e., I/O port) 90.

In one embodiment, imaging system 30 is controlled by microprocessor 72 which communicates with other elements of the system via communications bus 84. Print engine controller 74 and associated print engine 70 connect to communications bus 84 and provide the print output capability for imaging system 30. Sheet media is pulled from media holder 34 into print engine 70 and directed to output and finishing tray or bin 60. Print sheet media management system 32 is positioned adjacent to the sheet media stack located within media holder 34 to sense and detect characteristics of the sheet media stack in media holder 34. In one aspect, print sheet media management system 32 is used for determining the number of sheets in media holder 34 and sheet thickness. Control system 68 utilizes these components for processing print jobs. In particular, the number of sheets is utilized by control system 68 to determine whether sufficient sheets exist in media holder 34 to complete a print job. Sheet thickness information is utilized by control system 68 to identify the sheet media type and/or optimized print job settings.

In one aspect, print sheet media management system 32 is used for determining the number of sheets in media holder 34 and sheet thickness. Control system 68 utilizes these components for processing print jobs. In particular, the number of sheets is utilized by control system 68 to identify the sheet media type and/or optimized print job settings. In one aspect, communications port 90 provides communications between imaging system 30 and host 86, and receives page descriptions (or raster data) from the host 86 for processing within the imaging system 30. RAM 78 provides a main memory for the imaging system 30 for storing and processing a print job data stream received from host 86. ROM 76 holds firmware which controls the operation of control system 68 and imaging system 30. The code procedures stored in ROM 76 may include a page converter, rasterizer, compression code, page print scheduler and print engine manager. The page converter firmware converts a page description received from the host to a display command and list, with each display command defining an object to be printed on the page. The rasterizer firmware converts each display command to an appropriate bit map (rasterized strip) and distributes the bit map into memory 78. The compression firmware compresses the rasterized strips in the event insufficient memory exists in memory 78 for holding the rasterized strips. The rasterized strips are passed to print engine 70 by print engine controller 74, thereby enabling the generation of an image (i.e., text/graphics etc.). The page print scheduler controls the sequencing and transferring of page strips to print engine controller 74. The print engine manager controls the operation of print engine controller 74 and, in turn, print engine 70.

ROM 76 further includes a media manager for determining media characteristics using an output signal from print sheet media management system 32 including the number of sheet media in media holder 34 and media sheet thickness and/or media typed. The media account manager receives media component values of media detected by system 32. Although in a preferred embodiment, media manager includes firmware in ROM 76, it is understood that it may also be embodied as software in RAM 78 or in circuitry (such as an ASIC), or as a combination of hardware, software and/or firmware.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram of an image production system 100. The image production system 100 may be any system capable of making image production documents (e.g., printed documents, copies, etc.) including a copier, a printer, a facsimile device, and a multi-function device (MFD), for example.

The image production system 100 may include an image production section 120, which includes hardware by which image signals are used to create a desired image, as well as a stand-alone feeder apparatus 110, which stores and dispenses sheets on which images are to be printed, and an output section 130, which may include hardware for stacking, folding, stapling, binding, etc., prints which are output from the marking engine. If the printer is also operable as a copier, the printer further includes a document feeder 140, which operates to convert signals from light reflected from original hard-copy image into digital signals, which are in turn processed to create copies with the image production section 120. The image production system 100 may also include a local user interface 150 for controlling its operations, although another source of image data and instructions may include any number of computers to which the printer is connected via a network.

With reference to feeder apparatus 110, the module includes any number of media trays 160, each of which stores a media stack 170 or print sheets (“media”) of a predetermined type (size, weight, color, coating, transparency, etc.) and includes a feeder to dispense one of the sheets therein as instructed. Certain types of media may require special handling in order to be dispensed properly. For example, heavier or larger media may desirably be drawn from a media stack 170 by use of an air knife, fluffer, vacuum grip or other application (not shown in the Figure) of air pressure toward the top sheet or sheets in a media stack 170. Certain types of coated media are advantageously drawn from a media stack 170 by the use of an application of heat, such as by a stream of hot air (not shown in the Figure). Sheets of media drawn from a media stack 170 on a selected tray 160 may then be moved to the image production section 120 to receive one or more images thereon. Then, the printed sheet is then moved to output section 130, where it may be collated, stapled, folded, etc., with other media sheets in manners familiar in the art.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary block diagram of the image production system 100. The image production system 100 may include a bus 210, a processor 220, a memory 230, a read only memory (ROM 240), a media thickness determination unit 250, a feeder section 110, an output section 130, a user inter-face 150, a communication interface 280, an image production section 120, and an imaging device 295. Bus 210 may permit communication among the components of the image production system 100.

Processor 220 may include at least one conventional processor or microprocessor that interprets and executes instructions. Memory 230 may be a random access memory (RAM) or another type of dynamic storage device that stores information and instructions for execution by processor 220. Memory 230 may also include a read-only memory (ROM) which may include a conventional ROM device or another type of static storage device that stores static information and instructions for processor 220.

Communication interface 280 may include any mechanism that facilitates communication via a network. For example, communication interface 280 may include a modem. Alternatively, communication interface 280 may include other mechanisms for assisting in communications with other devices and/or systems.

ROM 240 may include a conventional ROM device or another type of static storage device that stores static information and instructions for processor 220. A storage device may augment the ROM and may include any type of storage media, such as, for example, magnetic or optical recording media and its corresponding drive.

User interface 150 may include one or more conventional mechanisms that permit a user to input information to and interact with the image production unit 100, such as a keyboard, a display, a mouse, a pen, a voice recognition device, touchpad, buttons, etc., for example. Output section 130 may include one or more conventional mechanisms that output image production documents to the user, including output trays, output paths, finishing section, etc., for example. The image production section 120 may include an image printing and/or copying section, a scanner, a fuser, etc., for example. The imaging device 295 may provide images of a media stack for analysis. The imaging device 295 may be any imaging device that may provide images for analysis, including a two-dimensional camera or other multi-dimensional camera, for example.

The image production system 100 may perform such functions in response to processor 220 by executing sequences of instructions contained in a computer-readable medium, such as, for example, memory 230. Such instructions may be read into memory 230 from another computer-readable medium, such as a storage device or from a separate device via communication interface 280.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example environment 300 that includes a print sheet media management system 305. The print sheet media management system includes a thickness sensor 322 configured to sense a thickness of a sheet 317 transferred from a stack of printable sheet media 315 to a print engine 390. The system includes a height sensor 324 configured to sense a height 319 of the stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray 310. The system includes an evaluation circuit 340 configured to estimate the number of sheets in the stack of printable sheet media in response to (i) the sensed thickness of the sheet transferred to the print engine and (ii) the sensed height of the stack of printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the sensed thickness of the sheet transferred to the print engine is averaged over a plurality of transferred sheets. In an embodiment, the sensed thickness of the sheet transferred to the print engine is averaged over respective sensed thickness of at least two transferred sheets. In an embodiment, the estimate of the number of sheets in the stack is a numerical amount of sheets, such as 15 sheets, 75 sheets, 212 sheets, or the like. The system includes a communications circuit 350 configured to transmit data indicative of the estimated number of printable sheets in the stack of printable sheet media.

In an embodiment, the thickness sensor 322 is configured to sense a thickness of the sheet 317 of the stack of printable sheet media 315 transferred from a media tray 310 to the print engine 390 by a feeder apparatus 330. In an embodiment, the system 305 includes a feeder apparatus configured to transfer a sheet from the stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray to the print engine. In an embodiment, the system includes the media tray configured to carry the stack of printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the media tray is configured to hold the stack of printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the stack of printable sheet media includes a plurality of sheets of printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the media tray may be removable or may not be removable from an image production system that includes the print engine. In an embodiment, the media tray may be a space or a surface where the stack of printable sheet media is held.

In an embodiment, the thickness sensor 322 includes an optical thickness sensor. In an embodiment, the thickness sensor includes an optomechanical thickness sensor. In an embodiment, the thickness sensor includes a mechanical thickness sensor. In an embodiment, the thickness sensor includes an electromechanical thickness sensor. In an embodiment, the thickness sensor includes an electronic thickness sensor. For example, the thickness sensor may include a displacement sensor. For example, the thickness sensor may include a linear variable differential transformer, or capacitive displacement sensor. In an embodiment, the thickness sensor is configured to sense a separation between a roller and platen, or between two rollers, as the sheet 317 passes between.

In an embodiment, the thickness sensor 322 includes a 1-dimensional or 2-dimensional color imaging sensor. In an embodiment, the evaluation circuit 340 is further configured to determine in response to data received from the imaging sensor a color of the sheet 317 transferred from the stack of printable sheet media 315 to the print engine. In an embodiment, the communications circuit 350 is further configured to transmit data indicative of the determined color of the sheet transferred from a stack of printable sheet media to a print engine 390. In an embodiment, the data indicative of the determined color further includes an indication if a job request for production of an image on a selected sheet color can be fulfilled from the stack of printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the data indicative of the determined further includes an indication if a job request for production of an image on a selected sheet color cannot be fulfilled from the stack of printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the communications circuit 350 is further configured to electronically transmit data to a remote machine requesting production of an image on a sheet from the stack of printable sheet media, the data indicative of the determined color of the sheet transferred from a stack of printable sheet media to a print engine. In an embodiment, the remote machine may include a remote machine 372 that communicates the system 305 over a network 370 and a communications interface or a network interface 395. In an embodiment, the remote machine may include a remote computing device 374 that communicates with the system 305 over the network 370. In an embodiment, the network may be a public or a private network.

In an embodiment, the height sensor 324 includes an optical height sensor. In an embodiment, the height sensor 324 includes an optomechanical height sensor. In an embodiment, the height sensor includes a mechanical height sensor. In an embodiment, the height sensor includes an electromechanical height sensor. In an embodiment, the height sensor includes an electronic height sensor.

In an embodiment, the evaluation circuit 340 includes an evaluation circuit configured to determine the number of sheets in the stack of printable sheet media 315 in response to (i) the sensed thickness of the sheet transferred to the print engine and (ii) the sensed height 319 of the stack of printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the evaluation circuit includes an evaluation circuit configured to estimate the number of sheets in the stack of printable sheet media after the transfer of the printable sheet in response to the sensed height of the stack of printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the height sensor 324 is further configured to sense an addition of new printable sheet media on top of an existing stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray 310. For example, the sensing of an addition of new printable sheet media on top of an existing stack of printable sheet media may be implemented with an additional sensor component, for example by a micro switch, or a load cell. For example, the sensing of an addition of new printable sheet media on top of existing stack of printable sheet media may be implemented with a mechanical “trip” which can operate if the media tray is completely removed from image production system. For example, the sensing of an addition of new printable sheet media on top of existing stack of printable sheet media may be implemented with a sensor or sensors indicating whether or not any old printable sheet media is removed from media tray, plus sensing increase in the height of the stack of printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the evaluation circuit 340 is further configured to separately estimate the number of sheets in the new stack of printable sheet media and the number of sheets in the existing stack of printable sheet media.

In an embodiment, the system 305 includes a receiver circuit 360 configured to electronically receive from a remote machine (372, 374) a job request for production of an image on printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the communications circuit 350 is configured to electronically transmit data indicative of the estimated number of sheets in the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray to a remote machine that transmitted a job request for production of an image on printable sheet media.

In an embodiment, the system 305 includes the print engine 390. In an embodiment, the system includes a display device 380 configured to provide a human perceivable representation of the data indicative of the estimated number of printable sheets in the stack of printable sheet media.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate aspects of an example image production system that include the print sheet media management system 305 described in conjunction with FIG. 5. For example, in an embodiment the print sheet media management system 305 is integrated with image production system 30 described in conjunction with FIGS. 1 & 2. For example, in an embodiment the print sheet media management system 305 is integrated with image production system 100 described in conjunction with FIGS. 3 & 4. The print sheet management system includes the thickness sensor 322 configured to sense the thickness of a sheet 317 transferred from a stack of printable sheet media 315 to the print engine 390. The print sheet media management system includes the height sensor 324 configured to sense the height 319 of the stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray. The print sheet media management system includes the evaluation circuit 340 configured to estimate the number of sheets in the stack of printable sheet media in response to (i) the sensed thickness of the sheet transferred from the stack of printable sheet media to the print engine and (ii) the sensed height of the stack of printable sheet media. The print sheet media management system includes a communications circuit 350 configured to transmit data indicative of the estimated number of printable sheets in the stack of printable sheet media. The image production system includes a print engine. In an embodiment, the print engine includes the print engine 70 described in conjunction with FIG. 2. In an embodiment, the print engine includes the print engine 390 described in conjunction with FIG. 5. The image production system includes a print engine controller. In an embodiment, the print engine controller includes the print engine controller 74 described in conjunction with FIG. 2. The image production system includes a display device configured to provide a human perceivable representation of the data indicative of the estimated number of printable sheets in the stack of printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the display device includes the display panel 80 described in conjunction with FIG. 2. In an embodiment, the display device includes the display device 380 described in conjunction with FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example operational flow 400. After a start operation, the operational flow includes a reception operation 410. The reception operation includes electronically receiving from a remote machine a job request for production of an image on a printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the reception operation may be implemented using the receiver circuit 360 to electronically receive via the network interface 395 from the remote device 372 or the remote computing device 374 a job request for production of an image on a printable sheet media as described in conjunction with FIG. 5. A first detecting operation 420 includes sensing a thickness of a sheet of printable sheet media transferred from a stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray to a print engine. In an embodiment, the first detecting operation may be implemented by the thickness sensor 322 described in conjunction with FIG. 5. A second detecting operation 430 includes sensing a height of the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray. In an embodiment, the second detecting operation may be implemented using the height sensor 324 described in conjunction with FIG. 5. An evaluation operation 440 includes estimating the number of sheets in the stack of printable sheet media in response to (i) the sensed thickness of the sheet transferred from the media tray to the print engine and (ii) the sensed height of the stack of printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the evaluation operation may be implemented using the evaluation circuit 340 described in conjunction with FIG. 5. A dissemination operation 450 includes electronically transmitting to the remote machine data indicative of the estimated number of sheets in the stack of printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the dissemination operation may be implemented using the communications circuit 350 described in conjunction with FIG. 5. The operational flow includes an end operation.

In an embodiment, the operational flow 400 includes an operation transferring a sheet from the stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray to the print engine. In an embodiment, the operational flow includes determining in response to data received from a color imaging sensor a color of a next sheet of the stack of printable sheet media to be transferred by the feeder apparatus to the print engine; and electronically transmitting to the remote machine data indicative of the determined color of the next sheet in the stack of printable sheet media to be transferred by the feeder apparatus to the print engine. In an embodiment, the operational flow includes electronically transmitting to the remote machine the data indicative of (i) the estimated number of printable sheets in the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray and (ii) the determined color of the next sheet of the stack of printable sheet media to be transferred by the feeder apparatus to the print engine.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example environment 500 that includes a print sheet media management system 505. The print sheet media management system includes a feeder apparatus 530 configured to transfer a sheet 517 from a stack of printable sheet media 515 carried by a media tray 510 to a print engine 590. The system includes a weight sensor 524 configured to sense a weight of the stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray. In an embodiment, the weight sensor includes a load cell. The system includes an evaluation circuit 540 configured to estimate the number of sheets in the stack of printable sheet media in response to (i) a sensed weight of the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray before a sheet of the stack of printable sheet media is transferred from the media tray to the print engine and (ii) a sensed weight of the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray after the sheet of printable sheet media is transferred from the media tray to the print engine. The system includes a communications circuit 550 configured to transmit data indicative of the estimated number of printable sheets in the stack of printable sheet media.

In an embodiment, the sheet 517 transferred from the media tray 510 to the print engine 590 is one sheet. In an embodiment, the sheet transferred from the media tray to the print engine includes at least two sheets. In an embodiment, the sheet transferred from the media tray to the print engine includes at least five sheets. In an embodiment, the sheet transferred from the media tray to the print engine includes at least ten sheets.

In an embodiment of the system 505, the media tray 510 is configured to carry the stack of printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the system includes the print engine 590. In an embodiment, the system includes a receiver circuit 560 configured to electronically receive from a remote machine (572 or 574) a job request for production of an image on a sheet of printable media from the stack of printable sheet media 515 carried by the media tray 510. In an embodiment, the remote machine may include a remote machine 572 that communicates the system 505 over a network 570 using a communications or a network interface 595. In an embodiment, the remote machine may include a remote computing device 574 that communicates with the system 505 over the network 570. In an embodiment, the network may be a public or a private network. In an embodiment, the network may be a public or a private network. In an embodiment, the system includes a display device 580 configured to provide a human perceivable representation of the data indicative of the estimated number of printable sheets in the stack of printable sheet media.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example operational flow 600. After a start operation, the operational flow includes a reception operation 610. The reception operation includes electronically receiving from a remote machine a job request for production of an image on printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the reception operation may be implemented using the receiver circuit 560 to electronically receive via the network interface 595 from the remote device 572 or the remote computing device 574 a job request for production of an image on printable sheet media as described in conjunction with FIG. 7. A first detecting operation 620 includes sensing a weight of a stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray before a sheet of printable sheet media is transferred from the media tray to a print engine. In an embodiment, the detecting operation may be implemented using the sensor 524 described in conjunction with FIG. 7. A conveying operation 630 includes transferring the sheet of printable sheet media from the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray to the print engine. In an embodiment, the conveying operation may be implemented using the feeder apparatus 530 described in conjunction with FIG. 7. A second detecting operation 640 includes sensing a weight of a stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray after the sheet of printable sheet media is transferred from the media tray to the print engine. In an embodiment, the second detecting operation may be implemented using the sensor 524 described in conjunction with FIG. 7. An evaluation operation 650 includes estimating the number of sheets in the stack of printable sheet media in response to (i) a sensed weight of the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray before a sheet of the stack of printable sheet media is transferred from the media tray to the print engine and (ii) a sensed weight of the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray after the sheet of printable sheet media is transferred from the media tray to the print engine. In an embodiment, the evaluation operation may be implemented using the evaluation circuit 540 described in conjunction with FIG. 7. A dissemination operation 660 includes electronically transmitting to the remote machine data indicative of the estimated number of printable sheets in the stack of printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the dissemination operation may be implemented using the communications circuit 550 described in conjunction with FIG. 7. The operational flow includes an end operation.

FIG. 9 illustrates an environment 700 that includes an example print sheet media management system 705. The print sheet media management system includes a sensor 724 configured to sense at least two types of printable sheet media present in a stack of printable sheet media 715 carried by a media tray 710. For example, the at least two types of printable sheet media may include a glossy finish and a matte finish of printable sheet media. For example, the at least two types of printable sheet media may include a first weight and a second weight of printable sheet media. For example, the at least two types of printable sheet media may include a first color and a second color of printable sheet media. The print sheet media management system includes a receiver circuit 760 configured to receive a job request for production of an image by a print engine 790 on a selected type of printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the image includes text. In an embodiment, the image includes a picture or graphic. In an embodiment, the selected type of print sheet media includes a selected type of print sheet media selected from at least two types of printable sheet media. The system includes an evaluation circuit 740 configured to determine in response to the sensed at least two types of printable sheet media present in the stack of printable sheet media if a next sheet in the stack of printable sheet media to be transferred to the print engine is the selected type of printable sheet media. The system includes a communications circuit 750 configured to transmit data indicating if the job request for production of an image on the selected type of printable sheet media can be fulfilled from the stack of printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the job request includes a specified number of sheets of the selected type of printable sheet media. For example, the data may indicate to a local or a remote user if their selected type of printable sheet media is next to be fed. For example, the data may include a signal to a human operator present near or at the print engine to the load selected type of printable sheet media in the media tray if it is not next to be fed.

In an embodiment, the sensor 724 includes an imaging sensor configured to sense at least two colors of printable sheet media present in a stack of printable sheet media 715 carried by a media tray 710. For example, in an embodiment the imaging sensor is configured to distinguish at least two kinds of media that might be carried by the same media tray. For example, in an embodiment an imaging sensor can distinguish “white” from “nonwhite.” For example, in an embodiment a fine-resolution imaging sensor can distinguish “thick” from “thin” even if it can't measure the thickness. For example, in an embodiment a 2-dimensional imaging sensor can distinguish a rough (“deckle”) edged paper from a smooth-edged paper in a stack of printable sheet media. For example, with an appropriate light source and stack arrangement, in an embodiment a glossy paper can be distinguished from matte-finish paper in a printable sheet media stack by imaging sensor. For example, the stack may need to be slanted so that the imaging sensor can see a bit of the top or bottom of each sheet, or an edge of each sheet, or distinguish opaque paper from translucent plastic sheet or vellum. In an embodiment, the sensor includes a 1-dimensional or 2-dimensional imaging sensor. In an embodiment, the sensor includes a color imaging sensor. In an embodiment, the sensor includes a grayscale imaging sensor. In an embodiment, the evaluation circuit 740 is configured to determine in response to a sensed at least two colors of sheet media present in the stack of printable sheet media if a next sheet in the stack of printable sheet media to be transferred to the print engine 790 is the color of printable sheet media selected by the job request. In an embodiment, the evaluation circuit 740 is configured to determine in response to a sensed at least two types of sheet media present in the stack of printable sheet media if there are enough sheets of the selected color in the next sheets in the stack of printable sheet media to be transferred to the print engine to complete the job request.

In an embodiment, the sensor 724 includes a mechanically-scanned photo sensor. In an embodiment, the system includes another sensor configured to sense an opening of the media tray or a removal of the media tray. In an embodiment, the another sensor includes an in-tray imaging sensor. In an embodiment, the another sensor includes a sensor configured to detect a removal of tray 710 or a removal of printable sheet media from the stack of printable sheet media 715. In an embodiment, the sensor 724 is configured to search for a new type of printable sheet media on top of an existing stack printable sheet media if the tray is opened and closed but no paper is removed. In an embodiment, the sensor 724 is further configured to sense an addition of printable sheet media to the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray. In an embodiment, the sensor 724 is further configured to sense a removal of printable sheet media from the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray. In an embodiment, the sensor 724 is further configured to store data indicative of a thicknesses of previously-sensed types of printable sheet media and assume a thickness for newly-loaded printable sheet media based on matching a color, approximate thickness, or other optical characteristics of previously sensed printable sheet media. This is expected to enable accurate printable sheet media supply count even for a small number of sheets.

In an embodiment, the evaluation circuit 740 is configured to estimate (i) a number of a first type of printable sheet media present in the stack of printable sheet media 715 carried by a media tray 710 and (ii) a number of a second type of printable sheet media present in the stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray. In an embodiment, the evaluation circuit is configured to estimate a number of consecutive first type of printable sheet media present in the stack of printable sheet media 715 carried by a media tray 710 and a number of consecutive second type of printable sheet media present in the stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray. In an embodiment, the evaluation circuit is configured to estimate a sequence or position of a first type of printable sheet media present in the stack of printable sheet media 715 carried by a media tray 710 and a sequence or position of a second type of printable sheet media present in the stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray. In an embodiment, the evaluation circuit is configured to determine in response to the estimated number of the first type of printable sheet media present if there is sufficient sheet media of the selected type of printable sheet media to fulfil the job request. In an embodiment, the evaluation circuit is configured to determine if the next sheets in the stack of printable sheet media to be transferred to the print engine are of the selected type of printable sheet media and sufficient in a number to complete the job request.

In an embodiment, the system 700 includes a feeder apparatus 730 configured to transfer a sheet 717 from the stack of printable sheet media 715 carried by the media tray 710 to the print engine 790. In an embodiment, the feeder apparatus is further configured to bring the selected type of printable sheet media into a next-to-be-transferred-position in the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray. For example, the sheet feeder apparatus may feed, without printing, some number of sheets to bring a selected type of printable sheet media for a job request to the top of the stack of printable sheet media while allowing an undesired printable sheet media type to be reloaded later. For example, undesired printable sheet media may go to a separate path or output tray. For example, the feeder apparatus may feed undesired printable sheet media this way only if number of sheets is within some range (i.e., feed up to 50 sheets; for greater than 50 sheets, notify a user or operator).

In an embodiment, the receiver 760 is configured to receive the job request from a remote machine. In an embodiment, the remote machine may include a remote machine 772 that communicates with the system 705 over a network 770 using a communications or a network interface 795. In an embodiment, the remote machine may include a remote computing device 774 that communicates with the system over the network. In an embodiment, the network may be a public or a private network. In an embodiment, the communications circuit 750 is configured to electronically transmit to the remote machine data indicating if the job request for production of an image on the selected type of printable sheet media can be fulfilled from the stack of printable sheet media.

In an embodiment, the system 705 includes the media tray 710 configured to carry the stack of printable sheet media 715. In an embodiment, the system includes a display device 780 configured to provide a human perceivable representation of the data indicating if the job request for production of an image on the selected type of printable sheet media can be fulfilled from the stack of printable sheet media.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example operational flow 800. After a start operation, the operational flow includes a detecting operation 810. The detecting operation includes sensing at least two types of printable sheet media present in a stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray. In an embodiment, the detecting operation may be implemented using the sensor 724 to sense at least two types of printable sheet media present in a stack of printable sheet media 715 carried by the media tray 710 as described in conjunction with FIG. 9. A reception operation 820 includes receiving a job request from a remote machine for production of an image by a print engine on a selected type of printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the reception operation may be implemented using the receiver circuit 760 to receive the job request from the remote machine 772 or 774 as described in conjunction with FIG. 9. An ascertaining operation 830 includes determining in response to the sensed at least two types of sheet media present in the stack of printable sheet media if a next sheet in the stack of printable sheet media to be transferred to the print engine is the selected type of printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the ascertaining operation may be implemented using the evaluation circuit 740 as described in conjunction with FIG. 9. A dissemination operation 840 includes electronically transmitting to the remote machine data indicating if the job request for production of an image on the selected type of printable sheet media can be fulfilled from the stack of printable sheet media. In an embodiment, the dissemination operation may be implemented using the communications circuit 750 described in conjunction with FIG. 9. The operational flow includes an end operation.

All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety or to the extent their subject matter is not otherwise inconsistent herewith.

In some embodiments, “configured” includes at least one of designed, set up, shaped, implemented, constructed, or adapted for at least one of a particular purpose, application, or function.

It will be understood that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims, are generally intended as “open” terms. For example, the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to.” For example, the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least.” For example, the term “has” should be interpreted as “having at least.” For example, the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc. It will be further understood that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of introductory phrases such as “at least one” or “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a receiver” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one receiver”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, it will be recognized that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “at least two chambers,” or “a plurality of chambers,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two chambers).

In those instances where a phrase such as “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” or “an [item] selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C,” is used, in general such a construction is intended to be disjunctive (e.g., any of these phrases would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together, and may further include more than one of A, B, or C, such as A₁, A₂, and C together, A, B₁, B₂, C₁, and C₂ together, or B₁ and B₂ together). It will be further understood that virtually any disjunctive word or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

The herein described aspects depict different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely examples, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected,” or “operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being “operably couplable” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable or physically interacting components or wirelessly interactable or wirelessly interacting components.

With respect to the appended claims the recited operations therein may generally be performed in any order. Also, although various operational flows are presented in a sequence(s), it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such alternate orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Use of “Start,” “End,” “Stop,” or the like blocks in the block diagrams is not intended to indicate a limitation on the beginning or end of any operations or functions in the diagram. Such flowcharts or diagrams may be incorporated into other flowcharts or diagrams where additional functions are performed before or after the functions shown in the diagrams of this application. Furthermore, terms like “responsive to,” “related to,” or other past-tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variants, unless context dictates otherwise.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. 

1. A print sheet media management system, the system comprising: a feeder apparatus configured to transfer a sheet from a stack of printable sheet media to a print engine; a weight sensor configured to sense a weight of the stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray; an evaluation circuit configured to estimate the number of sheets in the stack of printable sheet media in response to (i) a sensed weight of the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray before a sheet of the stack of printable sheet media is transferred from the media tray to the print engine and (ii) a sensed weight of the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray after the sheet of printable sheet media is transferred from the media tray to the print engine; and a communications circuit configured to transmit data indicative of the estimated number of printable sheets in the stack of printable sheet media.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the sheet transferred from the media tray to the print engine is one sheet.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the sheet transferred from the media tray to the print engine includes at least two sheets.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the sheet transferred from the media tray to the print engine includes at least five sheets.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the sheet transferred from the media tray to the print engine includes at least ten sheets.
 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising: the media tray configured to carry the stack of printable sheet media.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising: the print engine.
 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a receiver circuit configured to electronically receive from a remote machine a job request for production of an image on a sheet of printable media from the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray.
 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a display device configured to provide a human perceivable representation of the data indicative of the estimated number of printable sheets in the stack of printable sheet media.
 10. A method comprising: electronically receiving from a remote machine a job request for production of an image on printable sheet media; sensing a weight of a stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray before a sheet of printable sheet media is transferred from the media tray to a print engine; transferring the sheet of printable sheet media from the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray to the print engine; sensing a weight of a stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray after the sheet of printable sheet media is transferred from the media tray to the print engine; estimating the number of sheets in the stack of printable sheet media in response to (i) a sensed weight of the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray before a sheet of the stack of printable sheet media is transferred from the media tray to the print engine and (ii) a sensed weight of the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray after the sheet of printable sheet media is transferred from the media tray to the print engine; and electronically transmitting to the remote machine data indicative of the estimated number of printable sheets in the stack of printable sheet media.
 11. A print sheet media management system, the system comprising: a sensor configured to sense at least two types of printable sheet media present in a stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray; a receiver circuit configured to receive a job request for production of an image by a print engine on a selected type of printable sheet media; an evaluation circuit configured to determine in response to the sensed at least two types of printable sheet media present in the stack of printable sheet media if a next sheet in the stack of printable sheet media to be transferred to the print engine is the selected type of printable sheet media; and a communications circuit configured to transmit data indicating if the job request for production of an image on the selected type of printable sheet media can be fulfilled from the stack of printable sheet media.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the sensor includes an imaging sensor configured to sense at least two colors of printable sheet media present in a stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the sensor includes a 1-dimensional or 2-dimensional imaging sensor.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein the sensor includes a color imaging sensor.
 15. The system of claim 12, wherein the sensor includes a grayscale imaging sensor.
 16. The system of claim 12, wherein the evaluation circuit is configured to determine in response to a sensed at least two colors of sheet media present in the stack of printable sheet media if a next sheet in the stack of printable sheet media to be transferred to the print engine is the color of printable sheet media selected by the job request.
 17. The system of claim 12, wherein the evaluation circuit is configured to determine in response to a sensed at least two types of sheet media present in the stack of printable sheet media if there are enough sheets of the selected color in the next sheets of the stack of printable sheet media to be transferred to the print engine to complete the job request.
 18. The system of claim 11, wherein the sensor includes a mechanically-scanned photo sensor.
 19. The system of claim 11, further comprising another sensor configured to sense an opening of the media tray or a removal of the media tray from an imaging device that includes the system.
 20. The system of claim 11, wherein the sensor is further configured to sense an addition of printable sheet media to the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray.
 21. The system of claim 11, wherein the sensor is further configured to sense a removal of printable sheet media from the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray.
 22. The system of claim 11, wherein the sensor is further configured to store data indicative of a thicknesses of previously-sensed types of printable sheet media and assume a thickness for newly-loaded printable sheet media based on matching a color, approximate thickness, and/or other optical characteristics of previously sensed printable sheet media (to enable accurate paper-supply count even for a small number of sheets).
 23. The system of claim 11, wherein the evaluation circuit is further configured to estimate (i) a number of a first type of printable sheet media present in the stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray and (ii) a number of a second type of printable sheet media present in the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray.
 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the evaluation circuit is configured to determine in response to the estimated number of the first type of printable sheet media present if there is sufficient sheet media of the selected type of printable sheet media to fulfil the job request.
 25. The system of claim 24, wherein the evaluation circuit is configured to determine if the next sheets in the stack of printable sheet media to be transferred to the print engine are of the selected type of printable sheet media and sufficient in a number to complete the job request.
 26. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a feeder apparatus configured to transfer a sheet from the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray to the print engine.
 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the feeder apparatus is further configured to bring the selected type of printable sheet media into a next-to-be-transferred-position in the stack of printable sheet media carried by the media tray.
 28. The system of claim 11, wherein the receiver is configured to receive the job request from a remote machine.
 29. The system of claim 28, wherein the communications circuit includes a communications circuit configured to electronically transmit to the remote machine data indicating if the job request for production of an image on the selected type of printable sheet media can be fulfilled from the stack of printable sheet media.
 30. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a media tray configured to carry the stack of printable sheet media.
 31. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a display device configured to provide a human perceivable representation of the data indicating if the job request for production of an image on the selected type of printable sheet media can be fulfilled from the stack of printable sheet media.
 32. A method comprising: sensing at least two types of printable sheet media present in a stack of printable sheet media carried by a media tray; receiving a job request from a remote machine for production of an image by a print engine on a selected type of printable sheet media; determining in response to the sensed at least two types of sheet media present in the stack of printable sheet media if a next sheet in the stack of printable sheet media to be transferred to the print engine is the selected type of printable sheet media; and electronically transmitting to the remote machine data indicating if the job request for production of an image on the selected type of printable sheet media can be fulfilled from the stack of printable sheet media. 